Field Vision's Guide on How to Watch the Preseason

The preseason can be boring if you don't know exactly what to look for. Most teams are trotting out backups and running basic schemes. Coordinators have yet to bring out the highly curated call sheets but are opting to 'just call plays' to get them on tape.

These games look like glorified high school matchups with little to no flare to the naked eye. But, if you dig deeper and know what to look for, these games can give you great insight into your favorite team's health (and wealth). As a scheme nerd, I understand your pain. Here's how to watch the preseason like a pro.

Watch the rookie QBs

Is the hype real, or is your team destined for the gutter? The preseason is the best time to examine rookie QB play with the kid gloves off. The offensive coordinator is trying to get the young QB to calibrate his timing and learn the offense.

Don't watch the ball, either. Watch how the quarterback handles pressure in the pocket. Does he look to bail, or does he hang in there? How quickly does he work through his progression, and are his feet set when he throws the ball?

We tend to love off-platform throws like those from Patrick Mahomes and others, but we often need to look at the fundamentals. Can the young quarterback actually play quarterback in the NFL? Being an athlete nowadays is a premium at the most critical position on the field, but an offense can function if the quarterback constantly bails at first sight of pressure.

Accuracy is king, too. How is the ball placement to the WRs? Especially when he has a clean pocket. Accuracy is often the main issue in a quarterback's ability to make it in the league. We love a rocket arm, but if there is no finesse, it's hard to win consistently.

Beware of the 'Checkdown Charlie.' The average depth of target (ADOT) is vital for the offense's health and its ability to create explosive plays. If the quarterback constantly throws low in the zone, even when there is ample opportunity downfield, it stunts the offense's growth. Young quarterbacks who don't want to rip it, at least downfield, when a wide receiver is perceived as open can signal that they are scared to make a mistake.

The inverse can also be true if your young quarterback constantly puts the ball into closed windows or is racking up interceptions. Too many turnover-worthy plays can give off alarm bells. The caveat here is that not every interception is created equal. If a WR is covered or the QB misreads the coverage, that is entirely different than trying to get the ball into a tight window.

What is 'Base?'

The preseason is a great time to analyze what your team wants to be good at on either side of the ball. Generic schemes are the core of how your team teaches their players; executing them can give you much insight. Not every staff wants to hold it close to the vest in the preseason. Some teams like to show a few curated plays to put on film for future opponents, while others play 'country' (primary) schemes.

Still, executing these concepts can give insight into how well your team is progressing through camp. A lot is made about camp videos from practice, but those are taken from highly curated sessions and often without context. In a game, you can't play through a sack.

Watch for patterns

These glorified practices are an excellent time for you, as a fan, to learn more about the game. On defense, look for patterns in the coverage structure.

• Does the defense always bring the particular Safety down toward the line of scrimmage?

• How does your offense utilize pre-snap motion in their scheme?

• Is there a specific play that consistently shows up?

When watching these early games without the starters, you can take your time and learn what is happening. Defensive fronts, for instance, can give you an idea of where the ball will hit if it is a run. WR motions and alignments also can tell you where the offense is trying to attack. Look for soft spots on the field when deciphering where a pass might go. Or, look for two defenders stacked on top of each other if attempting to determine a blitz. These things will show up as you take your eye off the ball.

Roster building

The starters play a little past the first couple of drives, so hone their skills when the replacements and late draft picks come in. Does your fourth-round CB look lost in man coverage? Is your early round Center constantly beat in the middle of the formation?

The preseason is when future stars start to emerge. Players consistently around the ball and in position show they understand the scheme and can react positively. Inversely, if your first-round draft pick Edge is still playing in the fourth quarter, alarm bells should be ringing. Why is the defensive coordinator trying to get him more reps?

Playing time is critical for development, so if a player isn't playing, that can mean he probably isn't going to make the team. The depth and quality of your team's roster are shown in these later quarters when the backups are playing. It can also show you that diamond in the rough you picked up as an undrafted free agent from a directional school.

Take your eye off the ball

This last one can be difficult because TV networks zoom in on the QB or what is referred to as the box, but if you look carefully early in the down, you can see how each unit is aligned. If wanting to learn more about football, the worst thing you can do is watch the ball. Sure, that is where the 'magic' happens, but in reality, the geometry of football tells the story a lot better.

Football is about angles, leverage, and shapes—yes, shapes, especially in coverage. Most coverages are founded on creating triangles or boxes. These three to four-man teams are critical to countering the pass concepts by the offense. Unless it is man, then look for where the Safeties are playing. If one is in the Post, the DBs will try to funnel everything to him.

For the front, the anchor points (defensive linemen) tell you where the bubbles are or the soft spots for runs. If both B-gaps (second gap from the Center) have a D-linemen, then the defense is in a true odd front. If there is a B-gap 'bubble' (one is left open), the defense is in an even front. This can be confusing, but the best thing to look for is open space because that is where the offense will attack.

Not everything is boring in the offseason. Take advantage of the slower pace and learn more about the game. Just make sure to take your eye off the ball.

Follow Cody Alexander at MatchQuarters.com, Twitter/X, Instagram, or TikTok.

As we dive in, we look forward to the conversation, debate, and your feedback. Hit us at @fieldvisionmi on X, @fieldvisionsports on Instagram, or on our website www.fieldvisionsports.com.